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Loretto Justice Fellows Update

Posted on October 2, 2024, by Annie Rosenkranz

A young latina woman dressed in all black with black hair smiles standing next to a smiling older white woman with short grey hair, black pants and a jean jacket.
From left, Jessica Garcia Nungaray and Mary Margaret Murphy SL.

Just a few months after completing their program year with us, all seven 2023/2024 Loretto Justice Fellows have continued in service to others, work for justice and actions for peace. Four of these seven Fellows are engaged in continued education — in spring 2025, three will complete graduate degrees in social work, one will complete an undergraduate degree in pre-law and gender and women’s studies. Two Fellows are now employed full-time with social justice organizations in El Paso providing case management, youth services and mental health services in the community. One Fellow recently got married, is now preparing to welcome twin daughters and will embark on the journey of motherhood, one of the most foundational roles in cultivating a more just future.

Our Fellows remain connected to each other and to Loretto — embodying the program’s vision of cultivating a sustaining community of justice seekers in El Paso and beyond. Four of the Fellows now serve on the Loretto Justice Fellowship Program Advisory Board, guiding the program in its service to participants, partners and the community into the future. Two Fellows have become members of Loretto Link. One Fellow is serving a second term with the Fellowship program. Four Fellows attended our 2024/2025 orientation to welcome and connect with our new cohort.

Eight women smile for a group photo on a casual hike on a cloudy day with six women standing in the back and two women squatting in the front wearing sunglasses.
Back row from left, Jessica Garcia Nungaray, Anabel Theriault, Annie Rosenkranz, Larissa Meza, Alicia Villarreal and Brenda Valera. Front row from left, Karemy Cruz and Arantza De Jesus. Photo courtesy of Annie Rosenkranz.

Fellows were invited to share where they find themselves on their journey and what they carry forward from the Loretto Justice Fellowship experience. 23/24 Fellow Jessica Garcia Nungaray says:

“Currently, I am enrolled in the advanced standing program for the Master’s in Social Work at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP). The plan is to graduate this upcoming spring semester. I am doing my internship/practicum at the public defender’s office, where I do assessments, work on mitigation and new projects and create safety plans.

“I also work part-time as a case manager at UTEP’s Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education department. In this position, I work with UTEP students, assisting them with the Student Emergency Fund, addressing Student of Concern reports and referring students to on- and off-campus resources to support them in their academic journey.

“Some of the things that I carry with me now and into the future from my Loretto Justice Fellowship experience are the following: The practice to do my best to support my colleagues and help them grow, which is something that I learned as I experienced community in the Fellowship. Everyone always had an open heart to support and lift each other. Also, what I learned from the program workshops with On the Margins, specifically on self and trauma-informed care were important.”

“Another very meaningful practice that I carry with me I learned from Annie, which is being aware of putting intentionality and purpose into the things I do, as well as being grateful and finding abundance in my life. This has helped me feel more aware of myself and be more present.”

Annie Rosenkranz

Annie is the Director of the Loretto Volunteer Program. She joins the Loretto Volunteer Program after spending the previous 7+ years working in international initiatives and student services at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO. Annie's passions lie in travel, all things food, camping, adventure and nature. Her approach to work and life is rooted in solidarity, growing in community, seeking justice and nurturing relationships.
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Loretto welcomes you

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